Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.



Join the Independent Ford Owners' Club

Our community has been built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and proudly run by Ford owners' for over 18 years. As an independent, non-official club, everything you’ll find here, advice, support, and opinions, comes directly from members with genuine Ford ownership experience.

Join our friendly community... it's Free!

 

MK3.5 Sync 3 audio distortion - single speaker

ben.plunkett
ben.plunkett
in Ford Focus Club

Featured Replies

Hi All,

I have an odd issue with the audio on my focus (UK, MY 2018, MK3.5) fitted with the Sync 3 system.

I found some distortion/vibration from the RH front main speaker so thought i'd use the opportunity replacing this to replace all the fronts (main and tweeters) with a pioneer set. After replacement, the distortion is still present which leads me to believe something else is at fault. 

It occurs only:

  • RH front main speaker, checked by using the vehicles balance/fade and bluetooth input balance.
  • ~20-150 Hz frequencies, checked using a frequency generator app on my phone/bluetooth input.

It's also not 100% consistent, it was an issue previously, went away and has now returned. Possibly going away over winter and returning during summer (temperature related) but i'm not positive. It's audible listening to a wide range of music/audiobooks/vehicle voice announcements but, as confirmed by the frequency generator, only present when lower frequencies are present.

Next thoughts are to:

  • Pull the door card off and re-test
  • Check connections at the head unit
  • Re-check speaker connections/wiring. Is there a local ground at the door or does the -ve run all the way back?

Does anyone have any other ideas? Electrical modules to check? Maybe a wiring diagram to consult?

Thanks in advanced for any help! Ben

  • Quote


    For test purposes only. Remove the front right channel speaker wires from the APIM and swap them with the left front wires. If the fault changes side then you have a faulty module.

  • Quote
    • Thanks 1

    Interested to hear what you come up with. I've just ordered a replacement speaker for the front as I'm sure I blew mine up with playing full volume immediately after ending a phone call... but then I have just replaced my Sync 1 system with Sync 3 and a high level ACM from a MK3 Facelift - so now you've got me wondering.

  • Quote
    • Author
    23 hours ago, unofix said:

    For test purposes only. Remove the front right channel speaker wires from the APIM and swap them with the left front wires. If the fault changes side then you have a faulty module.

    Thanks, worth a shot! Should rule rule out the wiring or the APIM

  • Quote

    • Latest Deals

    Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessories

    Disclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    The "Digestive"

    • The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026)

      Steve ·
      The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026) We hope this email finds you well and enjoying your week. As always, our forum has been buzzing with activity, so we’ve compiled the highlights for you. Plenty of interesting discussions are taking place, especially around the Ford Focus and Fiesta models. Starting off with the Focus, many members have been discussing issues with the Emergency Call System, particularly in the Mk4 model. PLB raised concerns about persistent malfunctions, a se
      Steve
      Steve
      • 235 views





    Background Picker
    Customize Layout

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.